Born and raised in Monterey, Derek picked up an M.F.A. in Photography from CSU/Fullerton and then began his editorial career as an assistant editor. Derek rose through the ranks of many elite Hollywood and Santa Monica editorial companies before becoming one of Southern California's best-known editors. Along the way, he worked at Suissa Miller Advertising, T-30, Krueger Communications and Crush Editorial. His impressive list of credits includes work for Ford, Samsung, I-Hop, Pepsi, El Pollo Loco, Toyota, I-Flow Corporation, Acura, Power Automotive and Ameriquest Mortgage.

Derek has worked in Los Angeles and Orange County and recently wrapped up more than a year's worth of work on the theatrical film "The Fall". This thriller was directed by first-time filmmaker John Krueger (Official Selection, Rome International Film Festival).